UP CM's uncle says officials can steal from state coffers

Uttar Pradesh’s PWD minister Shivpal Yadav yesterday back-tracked from his earlier statement in which he had reportedly told state government officials to steal but not plunder statecoffers.

I never said that: PWD minister and younger brother of SP supremo Mulayam Singh, Shivpal Yadav alleged that there was a strong and calculated political conspiracy behind the misinterpretation of his statement. File Pic

Alleging that there was a “strong and calculated political conspiracy” behind the “misinterpretation” of his statement. Yadav, who is the younger brother of Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, said that he never said anything like that.

“I had called a meeting with local officials to discuss ways and means to curb graft. How can I encourage them to be corrupt,” the Public Works Department minister added.

Notwithstanding the minister’s clarification, opposition parties called it a matter of shame. Senior BJP leader and MP from Lucknow Lalji Tandon slammed Shivpal Yadav saying that his comment virtually amounted to a licence being given to officials to loot the state.

Senior BSP leaders have lambasted Shivpal Yadav for his “irresponsible utterances” and have called for his dismissal from the state cabinet.

Sudheendra Bhadauria, BSP leader, said Shivpal Yadav’s statement was a reflection of the jungle raj in the state. He added that a few months ago, BSP chief Mayawati had predicted that people will regret voting SP to power.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Rita Bahuguna-Joshi, too, criticised Shivpal Yadav’s statement. She rued that if responsible ministers speak like this, there would be no end to corruption.

BJP spokesman Vijay Pathak also castigated the minister and said that his statement showed the “ugly mindset of the ruling SP”